This is another trigger point and I close my eyes, mentally getting a hold of my temper. It pisses me off when anyone insinuates we’ve gotten here because of special treatment. The four of us have worked our asses to the bone, risking our lives countless times for this country, and we are exactly where we deserve to be.
“SWAT division has a waiting list that takes years to get through. Men and women with much more experience are already chomping for the call to interview,” he goes on. “Hell, you four are so green, there’re barely any scuffs on your shoes.”
“We know what we need to do.”
“Yeah? You think? What makes you think you’re SWAT material?”
“We know,” I reiterate.
“The probability of the four of you moving so quickly is improbable.”
“We’re a team,” Talon speaks up. “We go together.”
“Cocky big shots who have no regard for how things work. Funny how that was missing in your personnel files.”
“We’re not cocky; we’re good at what we do,” I correct him.
“How could we know that with less than a month on the streets?”
I raise an eyebrow, remaining quiet while the guys chuckle. Captain Boyd leans back in his chair, not amused. “You think one arrest makes you a novice?” There’s a little less anger in his tone.
“Nope, just getting started.”
“Cocky,” he says, shaking his head.
“You don’t even qualify for —“
“Eleven months,” I cut him off, finishing his sentence.
“It takes the best of the best for consideration. Not to mention a recommendation.”
“Best of the best is not a problem. And we’re counting on you for the recommendation.”
“Why are you here telling me this? To fire me up? Piss me off that you’ve barely started and already have a foot out the door? Not sure it’s a good way to start a relationship.”
Once again, I remain quiet. He scans my face, his eyes piercing into mine, and it’s obvious the instant it dawns on him. It’s like watching the proverbial light bulb switch. He’s figuring me out.
“What’s your full name, rookie?”
“Ace Kingston.” I don’t disclose my birth name. Almost everyone knows me as Ace.
“Holy shit, you’re the one.” His expression takes on a new form of understanding. “Achilles Kingston. How in the hell did I miss this? You’re Rich’s boy.”
A knot curls in my gut, and I force myself to stand still. A new round of tension fills the air as he puts the pieces of my screwed-up puzzle together. And from the look on his face, he knows a hell of a lot more than I’d hoped. I’d come this far with only a few people knowing my story. Rich Jacobs is the pinnacle that helped get me on track. And that is why I came clean with the captain about my future plans—Rich suggested it.
“Rich thinks highly of you,” is all I say.
Boyd rises, coming to stand in front of us, and keeps his eyes locked with mine. “We have rules, regulations, and protocols in this department. You understand?”
“I know all about living a strict code.”
“That’s why I’m not kicking your asses to parking patrol for the next year.”
“Appreciate it.”
His lips twitch, and he breaks our stare, shaking his head in amusement. “Fucking ex-special forces, badass fighters, awards of excellence. Right here on my team.”
The guys shift uncomfortably as he summarizes us.
“Your files are locked tight. I didn’t understand why there was so much pressure to push you through the academy at rapid speed. I have gone rounds with my team about who would work with y’all because of the rumors swirling of special treatment.”
“We didn’t think it was necessary to tell our life history.”
“Not my place to do so, but I see things in a whole new light. You men want SWAT, I won’t stop you. But I’m also not softening the expectations.”
“No need.”
“A word of advice. Keep your intentions under wraps. It won’t make you popular amongst your peers if they think you aren’t committed to the department.”
“Advice appreciated, but we’re not here to be popular.”
He moves his gaze toward us again. “I didn’t think so, but remember who’s in charge.”
“Of course.” I jerk my chin and turn to leave, the others doing the same.
“One more thing,” he calls out, and my heart sinks at the sound of his tone. I can guess what’s coming.
I glance over my shoulder, waiting.
“Rich and I have worked together for a long time. Even though I didn’t know you, I was around years ago when all that went down with your dad. He took it personally that they involved you in the mess. Glad to know it’s worked out for the best.”
I dip my head and walk out. It goes without explanation I owe Rich more than I can ever repay. What no one knows, except the three men at my side, is that Rich shaped my life.
But it was his daughter who was the driving force. Harley Jacobs… my Harley.
Everything I’ve done, everything I’ve accomplished… everything that has gone well in my life up to this point… it has all been for her.
And hopefully soon… for us.
“We’ve got company,” Talon announces, strolling into the room with another round. “Security cameras show a grey SUV.”
We all know who the vehicle belongs to. He’s laying it out to gauge my reaction. I’ve been in a shit-fucking mood since we came home and, besides the occasional comment on the game, no one has spoken directly to me.
“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” I pop the cap off a cold beer and straighten from my lounging position.
“Want privacy?” Talon asks.
“No need. My guess is he isn’t alone.”
There’s a quick rap at the door before Ford answers. My guess was right. Amanda is standing next to Rich with her motherly smile bright.
I stand and wait my turn to greet them. There are a lot of muffled voices as Amanda doles out congratulatory hugs and Rich gives strong-armed handshakes.
When they get to me, Amanda’s eyes pool with tears. “God, Ace! I am proud of you!” she gushes, throwing herself in my arms. She’s said this many times over the years, but today is different.
“Thanks, Amanda.” This is the first time I’ve seen her in months. A twinge of guilt creeps in, knowing I should have attempted to visit, but my focus was on other things. “It’s good to see you, but you could have called instead of driving all the way out here.”
“I wasn’t giving you a chance to come up with an excuse. It was time I saw you face to face.” I’m aware they were at the graduation a few weeks ago, but we ducked out immediately after the commissioner finished speaking. It was a dick thing to do, but there was a good reason.
Rich has been a member of the Nashville Police Department for over thirty years. The last fifteen as a detective. He exchanges a look with Amanda that tells me all I need to know. This is more than a social drop-in.
“We came to talk,” Rich confirms my suspicions.